More than a million people suffer an injury at work every year. Most are considered minor in nature, some are quite serious and others have a devastating effect. Serious and devastating injuries can result in a significant amount of time away from work and financial and emotional distress. Some accidents result in permanent disability and even death.

There are laws in place to protect employees in the event of an accident and those same laws allow injured employees to file an injury claim. The injured employee can file for compensation as long as they can prove the accident was someone else’s fault. Employers are required to have liability insurance to cover claims in the event of an accident.

Situations that might cause an accident are damaged or unsuitable equipment and materials, an unsafe work system, contact with dangerous materials without the proper protection supplied by the employer, dangerous work practices and poor health and safety practices.

If an employee is injured while on the job, the first thing they should do is seek medical attention immediately. If there is an on staff medical care technician, they should be checked by that person first and if necessary a transfer to the nearest medical facility such as an emergency room.

Make sure the accident is recorded in the accident book complete with all the details including events just prior to the accident and any follow up actions. If there is no accident book, write up an account of the accident with as much details as possible and send a copy to the supervisor, human resources and be sure to keep a copy for yourself.

The employee may be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (AAP) in the event the injury results in time off.  SSP begins the third day after the injury occurs. The employee might be entitled for additional time off pay if it is so designated in their employment contract.

The employee is also entitled to file for compensation as a result of the accident to cover any out of pocket expenses incurred as a result of the injury.   If the injury is serious and will take more than a few days to recover and recuperate, the employee may be entitled to additional compensation to cover any wages lost not covered by SSP. If the employee suffers a permanent disability, compensation may be increased to cover long term medical care, the necessary modifications to their home to accommodate access and medical equipment.